Hampton Starts the Trash Talk

Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton finally broke this week’s trend with a jab about the Ravens’ one-sided hate and a reminder of the Steelers-Ravens playoff record.

Considering the history of this heated rivalry, Hampton was asked if Pittsburgh players really hate the Ravens.

“You know ‘hate’ is a terrible word to say,” Hampton said, per Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“I think they hate us, though.”

Reporters followed up, asking why hate is only a terrible word for the Ravens to use but not the Steelers.

“Probably because we knock them out of the playoffs all the time,” Hampton replied. “Isn’t that what they say?

“I’d hate us, too.”

Hampton is as knowledgeable about the rivalry as anyone considering he’s been a part of it for a dozen years. He knows his team has a 3-0 playoff record against Baltimore. But the Ravens swept the Steelers last season, sending them on the road for a wild-card matchup in Denver. Pittsburgh lost the game, while the Ravens advanced to the AFC championship game.